Volunteers deliver food, toys for needy

Meanwhile, some small animals find new homes.

Meanwhile, some small animals find new homes.

December 17, 2006|MARTI GOODLAD HELINE Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- They arrived at 7:30 a.m. with a truck and two cars to deliver holiday boxes for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Michael Fry, his wife, brother-in-law and a host of nieces and nephews delivered baskets for 12 families. Fry's group has grown as they returned to volunteer a second year. "I like seeing how happy they are when you come to the door," Fry said, and the youth agreed. Zack Kruszewski, Steven Minchew and Brian Kruszewski, all 13, said it was worth it to give up watching football, playing games and seeing friends Saturday. "It was fun," 10-year-old Connie Minchew said as she enjoyed a snack with Taylor Kruszewski, 11. Altogether, close to 200 volunteers on Friday and Saturday helped pack and deliver baskets for 1,400 families, said society officials. That's 100 more families than last year. "It's a true community effort," said Roy Miller, president of the board, watching the final boxes be sent out for delivery from the warehouse. Penny Cyr, emergency services and food bank director, was a whirlwind of activity as she directed volunteers, made coffee and checked on the sorting of mountains of boxes and bags full of food. "You do it once and you see how necessary it is for people to help," Nancy Mah said, explaining why she keeps volunteering. "If you have the time, there's no reason you shouldn't come back and help." Church hosts giveaway Gwen Williams' sign outside proclaimed "Christmas Giveaway Free Toys Clothes." Inside Laymen Chapel CME Church on South Kenmore Street, church volunteers cheerfully helped mothers and older children carry out boxes of toys and clothes that will soon become Christmas gifts. For the second year, longtime church member and officer Donna Waller recruited friends, family and church members to put the event together. Tables in the church basement were covered with new toys donated from the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots, Waller said. Other tables held gently used toys, clothes, shoes and even knickknacks and toiletries that children could select as gifts for their parents. Donations came from church members, Waller said. Single mom Meshelle Williams had two boxes of toys and presents, including a basketball and games for her three children, 17, 15 and 11. "It definitely helps. It's wonderful," she said of the giveaway. She came with her friend Linda Grace, a single mom with five youngsters ages 3 to 10, "It's a great, great help," Grace added. She also selected sports equipment and plenty of other fun things for her children. "Little kids should be happy on Christmas. It just feels good to give back," said volunteer Cynthia Wilson, Waller's goddaughter. Small pets find homes Rabbits and dwarf hamsters were among animals finding new homes Saturday during Heartland Small Animal Rescue's adoption day at Pet Supplies Plus on Indiana 23. Jennifer Motz of Mishawaka cradled and petted the soft fur of a 10-month-old rabbit named "Reecee." The bunny is a Christmas present for her 5-year-old son who, she said, eventually wants to raise rabbits for 4-H. "He's going to be really excited," Motz said. "I told him we had to wait." Reecee had a good time hopping around the store on the end of a leash, not the least bit bothered by a dog, cat or guinea pig nearby. "We're having a good turnout today," said volunteer Tara Marshall. "We have a lot of animals who need to find homes." Mohan Berg, 12, was getting two energetic dwarf hamsters as companions for a hamster he already has at his Granger home. The little furry animals kept jumping in and out of an exercise wheel in their brightly colored plastic cage. "They're just cute, cuddly and friendly. They always like to play a lot," Mohan explained. "They just make good pets." Heartland is always looking for more foster homes for guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and such, said Aaron Blight, another volunteer. Anyone interested in volunteering to care for such animals may call (574) 299-1994. The group has adoption days at Pet Supplies Plus the third weekend of the month. Staff writer Marti Goodlad Heline: mheline@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6327